Fix: Network Protocol Missing in Windows 10

Networking is a huge part of the Windows 10 experience, and one of the most annoying network problems is the one where Network Protocols are missing. This error sounds serious, so let’s see if there’s a way to fix it.

Users report that they are unable to share files between network computers, and some are even unable to access the internet. As you can see, this problem can cause a lot of inconveniences, but there are a few solutions available.

How to Fix Networking Protocol Missing in Windows 10

Besides the “Network protocol missing” error, there are a few other issues that could be caused by same culprits. For example:

Fix: “Network protocol missing” error in Windows 10

Solution 1 – Temporarily disable your antivirus software

Although it’s not a good idea to disable your antivirus software, some users report that after disabling Kaspersky Internet Security 2016 their issues have been resolved. So if you are using Kaspersky Internet Security 2016, you might consider disabling it temporarily or switching to a different antivirus software. In addition, reinstalling antivirus software could also be helpful.

Solution 2 – Restore network protocols to default settings

Another thing we’re going to try is resetting network protocols to default settings. We’re going to do this by resetting the TCP/IP stack. In case you’re not sure how to do that, just follow the instructions:

Run Command Prompt as administrator. To do so in the search bar type Command Prompt, right click Command Prompt from list of results and choose Run as administrator.

When Command Prompt starts type netcfg -d and press Enter to run it.

Wait for the process to complete. After the process has been completed your computer should restart and the issue should be resolved.

In addition, some users suggest using the netsh int ipv4 install command. Just start the Command Prompt as administrator like in Step 1 and type netsh int ipv4 install into Command Prompt and press Enter to run it. After that restart your computer and see if the issue is fixed.

Solution 5 – Use Command Prompt and sc.exe

This is a temporary solution, and you might have to revert the changes after a new Windows 10 update, if the problems start occurring. Here’s what you need to do:

Open Command Prompt as administrator.

Type the following lines, and after each line press Enter to execute it:

sc.exe config lanmanworkstation depend= bowser/mrxsmb10/nsi

sc.exe config mrxsmb20 start= disabled

After entering these lines into Command Prompt the issue should be resolved. If you started to have troubles after a Windows 10 update, you might want to restore the default settings. To do so, follow these instructions:

We have to mention that this is an advanced solution, and if you’re not careful, or you don’t know how to modify registry, don’t do it, because you can cause damage to your operating system if you’re not careful.

To do this, you’ll need a different computer that doesn’t have problems with Network Protocols. You don’t have to use Windows 10 computer, even computer with Windows 8 or Windows 7 should do. Here’s what you need to do:

On the working Windows open Registry Editor and find the following keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesWinsock

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesWinsock2

Export these keys and move them to a USB flash drive.

Switch to a Windows 10 computer that has issues with Network Protocols.

Uninstall network driver.

Open Registry Editor and find the following keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesWinsock

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesWinsock2

You can export them, in case you need backup. After exporting them, delete both keys.

Restart your computer.

When your computer restarts insert the USB with Winsock keys from a different computer.

Go to Registry Editor again.

Go to the location where those keys were (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServices)

If Winsock2 key is back, delete it again.

Import the following keys from your USB:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesWinsock

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesWinsock2

Close Registry Editor. Yti

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run netsh winsock reset command.

Restart your computer.

Solution 7 – Restore your router and check the cable

If none of the steps from above managed to solve the problem, try with resetting your router. Turn it off first, and then switch it back off after a few minutes. Additionally, you can use a different LAN cable to connect your computer to the router. And finally, reset your router to factory settings by pressing the small button on the back (actually, the position of the reset button depends on your router).

And finally, reset your router to factory settings by pressing the small button on the back (actually, the position of the reset button depends on your router).

Solution 8 – Reinstall your Network Adapter

After completing the steps from above, you might as well want to reinstall your Network Adapter. Here’s how to do that:

Reinstall your network adapter using the driver accompanying the hardware.

Solution 9 – Use Network Troubleshooter

If you’re running Windows 10 Creators Update (or later), you have a new troubleshooting tool, provided by Microsoft. This troubleshooting tool is designed to deal with various issues within the Windows operating system, including various network errors. If you don’t know how to run this troubleshooter, just follow these instructions:

Go to Settings

Now, head over to Updates & security > Troubleshoot

Choose Internet Connections

Follow further on-screen instructions, and wait for the wizard to finish the process

Restart your computer

If the problem remains unresolved, you can try with the Network Adapter option, instead of Internet Connections.

Solution 10 – Restore network components

You can also try with resetting the following network components:

OpenCommand Prompt as administrator.

WhenCommand Prompt starts, enter the following commands, and press Enter after typing each command:

IPconfig /release

IPconfig /flushdns

IPconfig /renew

Solution 11 – Update BIOS

And finally, some users reported that updating BIOS actually solves the problem. But before you go all in, and flash your BIOS, we have to warn you that it could be a risky action, as one wrong move can render your motherboard unusable. So, check out our article about updating BIOS, and only do it if you know what you’re doing.

If you’re still having issues on your PC or you simply want to avoid them for the future, we recommend you to download this tool (100% safe and tested by us) to fix various PC problems, such as file loss, malware, and hardware failure.

That’s about it, at least one of these solutions should solve your problem with Network Protocols in Windows 10. If you have any questions, or comments, just reach for the comment section below.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2016 and has been since completely revamped and updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.